A comforting and flavorful soup featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty lemon touch.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Using olive oil adds a nice flavor to the base of the soup.
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened.
Stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the pot.
Stir in the lemon zest and rice, coating them in the vegetable mixture.
Toasting the rice slightly enhances its flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Add the diced chicken, peas, and lemon juice to the pot and cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
Cut the chicken into small, even pieces for quicker cooking.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the chopped parsley.
Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and flavor to the soup.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.